PUTRAJAYA: The National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA) has been equipped with 18 drones to form its own specialised unit to assist in enforcement activities, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Speaking after a memorandum of understanding signing between the Home Ministry and the Communications Ministry on Tuesday (Aug 18), the Home Minister said the unit was established to strengthen surveillance, particularly in identified drug abuse hotspots.
He said the drones would enable round-the-clock monitoring to detect individuals involved in illicit drug activities.
"Another improvement that NADA has successfully implemented is the utilisation of 18 drones to enable round-the-clock surveillance. First, we have mapped areas identified as drug abuse hotspots.
"The drone unit will be able to conduct flights, including at night, to detect those involved. As a result, we have compiled a list of 23,317 suspected individuals," he said.
Saifuddin added that real-time data gathered from drone flights is sent to the operations room to allow targeted enforcement action.
"Through drone surveillance, the data is sent to the operations room, allowing us to carry out enforcement action and detain a number of individuals involved," he said.
Saifuddin said the adoption of drone technology is part of ongoing efforts by NADA to ensure enforcement is backed by accurate intelligence.
Addressing the ministry's monthly assembly earlier in the day, he noted that 2,145 people have voluntarily sought rehabilitation since amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act came into effect in August last year.
Of that total, 1,401 individuals underwent community-based treatment, while 744 received institutional care.
"This is an indication of the success of the amendments to the Act, as we are encouraging those involved to come forward and surrender themselves for treatment.
"This figure recorded over the course of a year certainly shows encouraging results, and I believe there is still room to increase this number," he said.
